It's...It's....It's a BABY!!

WARNING

THIS BLOG WILL DISCLOSE THE SEX OF OUR BABY! IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO KNOW (RHONDA) THEN DO NOT READ PAST THE PICTURES BELOW!!!

DON'T READ ANY FURTHER UNLESS YOU WANT TO KNOW....

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IT'S A BOY

I suppose you would call this the "money shot," though we would have liked it to be a bit more clear, the baby was sitting in such a place that it was difficult to get a better shot. It may not seem too obvious, the tech had no doubt & was able to point it out to us on the monitor.

So, we started the morning by sleeping in...four hours of sleep in a row is a luxury these days & I will take it whenever I can!! Jason made a big breakfast & he worked upstairs for the rest of the morning. I checked emails, wrote down questions for the nurse & cursed at my stupid cell phone. The screen went completely blank yesterday & I was unable to retrieve phone numbers, see my caller ID or read text messages....of course just in time for ALL of my friends & family to send a text or expect a phone call about our appointment today! To help pass the time, & prevent throwing my phone trough the window, I read all about our 18 week milestones.

Around 12:30 I started drinking a big glass of juice & dug around for a tootsie pop to help wake the little guy up and get him moving around for the big photo shoot! By 1:15 we were with the tech & tapping our toes. The tech kept the screen turned away from me while he did all the measurements, & instantly said, "I know what it is." Jason jumped up stating, "Already!" & stood over his shoulder. His eyes got a bit bigger & a smile spread across his face. It indicated a sense of joy, pride and excitement. "It's a lot bigger," he said to me with big eyes & his eyebrows raised half way up his forehead, "and it has body parts!" This provoked some smart comments from the tech (which persisted through out the whole visit). I let out a giddy laughter & anxiously awaited for the tech to turn the monitor.

The first image I got to see was the top of his head...neat, ha ha...then as he turned the thingy on my belly, that alien looking frontal photo was staring back at me. Instantly, I started to giggle which jerked the picture about so I had to control it. I started talking to the baby while we pointed out all the body parts on the screen; face, nose, chin, arms, heart, fingers, feet, spine.....

The juice & lolly pop worked! Though he wasn't dancin' the jig, he was waving, kicking, stretching out & turning his head back & forth! It was so amazing to see a "real baby" in there, rather than the little blob/peanut we saw before. Jason kept asking if I could "feel it" every time he made a big movement, but I couldn'. But now I have an image to pair with the bumps and bubbles I feel through out the day! The tech made a few dumb jokes about measuring from head to toe, which only equaled about 14 mm because he is all scrunched up in there with is toes nearly in his face. Then he persisted to measure chin to toe...aahhh....to avoid anymore drawn out jokes, I quickly asked if he was using the masculine pronouns because it was a boy or if he simply didn't have gender neutral vocabulary (which led to another joke unfortunately) but got us to the bottom side of the baby!

Again, the image wasn't as clear as we would have liked it, but the "pointy thing" between the two legs & above the bum was not just dust on the monitor! So, there it is...we are going to have a little baby boy next summer & are as happy as can be. It will be nice to not have to refer to the baby as "it" anymore! We also got the whole ultrasound on DVD! Once we get the software together, I will post the video for you to enjoy! It is pretty neat; the heart, the little face & the movement...even though it is a bit hard to decipher in some spots.

After the ultrasound, we talked to the nurse about a nagging, itchy & mysterious rash I have had on my tummy for nearly a month, got a refferal for a dermatologist & found out that the results for the AFP test aren't in yet. She didn't seem too worried since she hasn't received a call...good news!

We made a bunch of phone calls (with Jason's functional phone) & in a fit of frustration I threw my phone on the floor of the car. IT FIXED IT! I was able to respond to a few texts, copy all my #'s onto paper & call a few people back! Despite the brief function in my sad old phone, we went out tonight and got new ones! It was an all around great day & we are starting the nursery this weekend! I'll put up photos as it starts to take shape!

17 WEEKS

So the flutters and bubbles are now easily discernible as baby! It is the coolest feeling in the world! The little one usually moves around in the early evening and occasionally in the late afternoon. But around 8:30 Jason often comes down stairs to find me with the laptop on my knees, my hands on my belly and my eyes closed in deep concentration. I guess I think that if I focus really hard, the baby will move again...ha! If the baby doesn't move again at that moment, at least I get a chuckle outt'a Jason!

I went in for the fun screening tests this afternoon (the Expanded AFP/Tripple Screen/Multiple Marker Screening Test...it has many names). I am not bothered by needles, I actually think it is interesting to watch, but then I thought about what the test was testing and it made my gave me butterflies. I know I am at a low risk for any disorders, but still the possibility of spina bifida or something else I got the butterflies. Anyway, the phlebotomist last time we went to the lab was great...she wasn't there today :( I was in and out in 10 minutes which was great and it seemed to go well...got the vein on the first shot, one vile and I was out the door. An hour later, I took off the tape and an inch away from where she drew the blood, in the center of my elbow is purple, red an ugly! What? How dies that happen? Regardless of the color of my arm (and that I look like a junkie) it isn't too sore and they said we should get results in 2-3 days, so we don't have to wait in suspense long!

Other than the new distinct movements, what else has changed...the heart burn has simmered down a bit but not gone, I get pain in my heels if I stand too long but if I wear shoes I get a little more time, and I noticed that not only do I cry really easily, but I laugh harder than ever before and at simple things that Jason doesn't necessarily think are that funny! Jason also says that I don't appear as stressed out as before...I would have to agree! Now, the moment you all have been waiting for...I get the question in person, via email, and on the phone everyday, and as promised, a recent belly pic!

a Meditation, a Mystery and a Memory!

So, I said a week, but 12 days isn't so bad!! Sorry to those of you anxiously awaiting an update (I got your emails!) I am happy to see all the comments and to know that this is worth the effort. For those of you not leaving comments....do, it's fun and simple!

Last week was quite eventful. I started Monday with a great adjustment at the chiropractor, watched my last client graduate, and cleaned out my desk. It was a bit sad to "move out" for the second time; to pack away my diploma and awards, my photos and artwork from kids and clients. I will miss the kids, and the amazing women I was fortunate enough to meet, but I am loving this new chapter in my life and ready for the new challenges!


I then enjoyed lunch at the Buttery (yumm) and spent the afternoon walking on West Cliff. There is something about the ocean that makes me still, happy and at ease. I could spend all day staring at the waves, and feeling the breeze kiss my cheeks as I inhale a sense of peace and exhale any tension. We will eventually end up back in Santa Cruz and until then I will savor every moment in the crisp ocean air.









After my walking meditation, I grabbed a hot chocolate and headed home to finish some laundry and start dinner (mom's spaghetti and meatballs...turned out pretty good i must add). Then, it all got turned on it's head. Jason, for those of you who don't know him, never, and I mean NEVER goes to the doctor. But he came home Monday night gave me kiss and said, "I think I am going to the doctor tonight." During the 4 or 5 days prior, Jason mentioned a pain/tender/soreness on his right side just below his ribcage. He didn't make a deal of it (but he never does) so I didn't think anything of it, but when the word "doctor" came out of my husbands mouth, of course I freaked out. Jason insisted that we enjoy dinner before heading over to the hospital, which was the best idea ever!

In the not so distant past, an operator with our insurance sent us to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, we didn't have too bad of an experience last time. So, at 8:00 on a Monday night we didn't expect anything worse....BOY WERE WE WRONG. Apparently Valley Med is the happening place, and is the only "open door hospital" in Santa Clara County, in other words the "special of the special" go there just to hang out. Seriously, there was a guy there who was obviously "on one", and knew every nurse, doctor, and janitor that passed by...and they knew him, first name basis. We were there for 6 hours (yes that is 2 am), and left without seeing a doctor. Despite our understood frustration, we were also reminded of our humanity and immortality. Hospitals are sad and yet such a reality. Anyway, Jason obviously didn't go to work on Tuesday and we found an Urgent Care in Cupertino that took our insurance.

The doctor there was a brass east coast man who tells it like it is. He ordered a blood test (which was fun to watch, Jason doesn't do well with needles!!), a urine analysis and an ultrasound. With the symptoms and physical exam, doc had a feeling it was Jason's gall bladder that was causing the pain. Everyone else we talked to (non professional) had the same diagnosis! We spent 3 hours on Wednesday at a private hospital with an appointment in radiology and I asked as many questions as possible while watching the ultrasound. Thursday, I played catch up at home, while Jason cringed through work and we saw "Doctor East Coast" for results in the evening. NADA....all the tests came back with "an a-o-k" and the ultrasound showed a healthy liver, aorta, gall bladder and kidneys! Good and Bad....still have symptoms but we have no answers. :( Now we play the waiting game and see more doctors.

However, while we were there and the doc had us laughing Jason chimes in about an annoying little wart he has had for years...the doc replies "there are two ways to do this. Are you the burn the hell outta it kinda guy, or a 'be gentle and I'll see you again next week' kinda guy?" Yeah, they burned the hell out of it! It was pretty funny...liquid nitrogen is crazy stuff :)

While the week left us with the pain remaining in Jason's side and no solution, he isn't immobilized and we were able to wrap it up with another beautiful trip to the Santa Cruz Coast. The weather tried to rain out our lunch, but instead it chased away the tourists. We hoped to see the monarch butterflies, but it's been too cold and the trees were empty :(



By the time we returned from the eucalyptus trees, the rain was gone the sun was shining and only the true ocean lovers remained! For that moment, we let go of the weeks stress, worry and fear and embraced each moment of rain, sunshine and ocean breeze! Then we drank down a hot chocolate, and drove home with a smile...

Life at a different pace...

For those of you who don't know, I have been home since early November and it is taking some getting used to. My stay on the couch started due to the so called "morning sickness" that lasted 24 hours a day. I was miserable (and I'm sure Jason was too) and just getting up to make it to the bathroom floor was quite an effort. Despite my premonitions of an impending death, I only lost about 10 lbs (which I had gained back) and within 6 or 7
weeks I was up and about. I wouldn't say, that i am back to my regular self, but there is no more nausea or sleeping all day. Just constant heartburn, a bulging tummy and frequent fatigue.

Sick for 6 weeks but out for 9? Yeah, the disability runs on 30 day increments and I was written out through January 7th (and if you didn't know it takes about 60 days to actually get a check...so don't bank on the help when you will need it!). While I slowly transitioned back into the world of living, long discussions with Jason and my parents ensued. We decided that it would be best for me to resign from my position as a substance abuse counselor. Though I will miss most of my clients and my coworkers dearly; I will not miss the stress, the politics, the uncertainty or the commute. Not to mention the random outbursts, melt downs and name calling :p It was sad to give my notice but a huge relief and actually quite freeing!

So, as for the getting used to being home...it's a different pace than running around a rehab all day! I now suddenly have time to do all the things around the house that I have wanted to do; clean up this, organize that, finish that scrap book, print those pictures...Yet, the only clean rooms so far are the 2 bathrooms, the kitchen counter/sink, and the bedroom :p I think I am lacking the whole motivation thing! I have it all worked out in my head and sometimes on paper as to what needs to be cleaned, and when the nursery is going to get underway... there is a lot to do, and I am realizing that Jason and I have A LOT of unnecessary stuff! Jason will say that it is my unnecessary stuff, but what's mine is his and what's his is mine right!! My mom's pack rat traits probably aren't a big help in this department! I am attacking one room at a time, and the office/soon to be nursery is the final room!

Though the cleaning house part of me is moving slow, I am however up daily by 7:15 making breakfast for Jason and sending him out with a lunch, grocery shopping, cooking lunch and dinner, as well as keeping up on the laundry. The grocery store, cooking and laundry were NOT things I enjoyed doing and did only when I had to, but I find the time of day can change things...the stores and the laundry room aren't full at 1 pm on a weekday, and one load at a time really isn't too bad. Now that I am not dead tired and trying to do a million other things at once...I am also enjoying cooking again, and must say I'm not too shabby!

I keep hearing(especially from my mother) "once that baby gets here, you wont have time to do anything..." I hear it in the back of my head while I watch an episode of Mythbusters or search through Myspace, and slowly but surely the projects I have set aside for years are becoming a reality. The photo albums have come out, the scrap booking stuff is more accessible and the mop and broom are out in the open!! So, while I am adjusting to the cooking and shopping quite easily, the cleaning is on the way, and my old hobbies may have a chance to resurface before the baby comes and all time is lost again!

All right, now for the baby update. I am 15 weeks along and growing a little tummy now! Our last Dr. appointment was Monday the 7th and we got to hear the heart beat for the first time...both of us have been anxious to hear it since the first ultrasound at 8 weeks. I was mid sentence with the Dr. when the infamous thunder came through the little machine. Instantly I began to cry, and laugh because I was crying, which made it
hard to hear as the monitor jerked about on my tummy! I must say, it was a bit of a relief to hear the heart beat...there's still a a baby in there!...but more of an overwhelming feeling of joy. A little baby is growing inside me with a LOUD rapid heartbeat to share until it's born! After wiping the tears, we scheduled the fun blood work for the 16 week screening tests and the Targeted Ultrasound/Anatomy Scan!!! That's right we will find out the sex Wednesday January 30th!! So, while we anxiously await that appointment, I am also anxiously awaiting the first definite kick. I have felt some strange flutters, and tickles, but can't yet distinguish if it's baby or gas yet ;) everything, and everyone says that in the next week or so I should be feeling kicks!

Though my day to day antics keep the cats, Jason and I all entertained, I will spare you the daily stories of laundry, dinner and messes. I will post a new blog every week though, so check back often and LEAVE COMMENTS so I know someone is reading this!

~love & light~
krystal